Higher education programme directors encounter a distinctive balancing act in their work. As one participant noted: “Our role extends beyond curriculum design to creating professional journeys that meet both scholarly excellence and industry requirements.”
Key recommendations emerged from the collaborative forum recently held for university educators and professional bodies, jointly arranged by Advance HE and London South Bank University. These insights focus on cultivating productive relationships with professional regulatory bodies, utilising research-informed programme creation, and successfully navigating the tension between creative teaching approaches and regulatory frameworks. Additional guidance covers the value of professional community-building, proactively addressing industry developments, and prioritising learner outcomes in strategic planning.
Published On: 09/04/2025
‘One Man, Two Guvnors’: Leading accessible and engaging accredited provision: A Guide for Programme Leaders
Leaders of accredited programmes face a unique challenge: “We're not just designing curricula; we're building professional pathways that must simultaneously satisfy academic rigour and professional standards. “ The top tips for programme leaders were compiled from discussion at the recent networking event for colleagues from higher education providers and PSRBs co-hosted by Advance HE and LSBU.
Case studies
Our case studies examine how professional accreditation processes have evolved across various disciplines. They reveal the delicate balance between upholding rigorous professional standards and minimizing administrative burdens. These examples demonstrate how accreditation bodies continuously adapt to stay relevant in fast-changing industries, ultimately creating value for students, educational institutions, and the professional sectors they serve.
Published On: 11/04/2025
Case study – Accrediting Innovation – How disruptors meet standards
This case study examines the experiences of Kay Bond, Academic Head at the Dyson Institute of Engineering, and her involvement with three emerging engineering education providers in the UK: the Dyson Institute, TEDI London, and NMITE (New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering).
Published On: 11/04/2025
Case Study – Developing a National Framework to Embed the NMC Standards for Student Supervision and Assessment across Nursing and Midwifery
Priti Patel, Head of Division for Midwifery and Lead Midwife for Education at London South University, presents a case study on collaborative work between Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs), Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), and practice partners to improve student experiences in healthcare education.
Published On: 11/04/2025
Case study – Evolution of Accreditation from a PSRB and an HEI perspective
This case study follows Professor Alistair Irons' journey with the British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation process over approximately 20 years. From his early experiences as a programme lead managing accreditation at his institution to becoming Chair of the Academic Board and Vice President, the narrative illustrates the evolution of accreditation practices in computer science education in the UK.
